Fatehpur Sikri

 
Fatehpur Sikri, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Agra, has served as the capital of the Mughal empire under Akbar’s reign. It was the first planned town to be built in this period, and today, it is renowned for its well-preserved architecture. Each of these structure perfectly blends Persian, Italian, and Islamic styles. Travelers visiting here can wander through its palaces, mosques, & public buildings, each reflecting Akbar’s vision and echoing tales of bygone eras. For more insights into other significant monuments, you can go through the monuments in Agra page.

History

Fatehpur Sikri was built in 1571 by Emperor Akbar, primarily to honor the Sufi saint Salim Chishti. Akbar believed that the saint’s blessings led to the birth of his son, Jahangir. However, the Mughal capital was shifted back to Agra in 1585 due to water scarcity and various political reasons. The town of Fatehpur Sikri still enchants visitors with its historical significance and architectural splendor.

Architecture

Built predominantly of red sandstone, Fatehpur Sikri is adorned with magnificent structures. The striking features of the fort are its inlay work, jali work, minarets, domes, jharokhas, and chhatris. The monument’s layout is a work of architectural brilliance, where a conscious effort has been made to produce rich spatial effects.

Things to do in Fatehpur Sikri

Buland Darwaza – This towering getaway is the highest in the world, offering panoramic views. This gate exemplifies elegant craftsmanship & depicts Akbar’s victory over Gujarat.

Jama Masjid – Standing on the fort’s western side, the Jama Masjid displays intricate marble detailing. This central place of worship showcases the cultural values of the Mughal era.

Panch Mahal – A five-story palace that appears in descending order from top to bottom. This airy pavilion was used for entertainment purposes & is considered the complex’s prime part.

Salim Chishti Dargah – This site houses Sheikh Salim Chisti’s grave, the saint by whose grace Akbar was blessed with a son. Outside it, people sing Qawwali every evening.

Jodha Bai Palace – This palace is a vast residential complex with a fusion of Rajput & Mughal architecture. It features spacious courtyards with connecting corridors to Akbar’s harem.

Diwan-i-Aam – Here, Emperor Akbar addressed the general public & heard their grievances. The central throne chamber stands out, signifying the emperor’s place of authority.

Diwan-i-Khas – This Hall of Private Audience is where Akbar met with his courtiers & foreign dignitaries for confidential discussions. It represents the grandeur of Mughal architecture.

Best Time To Visit Fatehpur Sikri

The best time to visit Fatehpur Sikri is from October to March. The weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing, making it the perfect time to explore the historical site. If you’re planning an extended visit to Agra, check out the Agra Tour Guide for more comprehensive planning tips.

Note: If you are visiting during summer, try exploring between 4-6 PM or early in the morning.

How To Reach Fatehpur Sikri

By Air: The nearest airport is Agra’s Kheria Airport, approximately 34.1 km away. The flight from Delhi takes 40 minutes.

By Train: The central railway station is Agra Cantonment, about 36.5 km from Fatehpur Sikri. However, the nearest is Fatehpur Sikri station, located about 2.4 km from the city center and close to the historical site.

By Road: The town is connected to a network of roads with regular buses and private taxis. The nearest bus stop is the Fatehpur Sikri Bus Stand, located in the city, and the main bus stop is the Idgah bus stand in Agra, 35.2 km from Fatehpur Sikri.

Local Transport: E-rickshaws, cycle rickshaws, and auto rickshaws are widely available for commuting in Fatehpur Sikri. You can even get there using rental taxis like Ola or Uber.

Places to Visit Near Fatehpur Sikri

Make the most of your trip to Fatehpur Sikri by discovering other must-see attractions nearby, which include:

• Taj Mahal (51.2 km/ 1 hour 8 min)
• Agra Fort (37.1 km/ 1 hour 3 min)
• Itimad-ud-Daulah Tomb (47.2 km/ 1 hour 11 min)
• Mehtab Bagh (41.8 km/ 1 hour 16 min)
• Jama Masjid (36.9 km/ 1 hour 2 min)
• Chini ka Rauza (41.2 km/ 1 hour 12 min)
• Akbar’s Tomb (36.6 km/ 52 min)
• Mariam-uz-Zamani Tomb (37.6 km/ 55 min)

Apart from these, there are many other tourist attractions in Agra which you can include in your plan.

 Travel Tips

Early Visit: To avoid the huge crowd and heat, visit early in the morning.

Respect Religious Sites: Dress modestly and follow local customs, especially in the mosques.

Watch out for scams: 

• Stay vigilant about potential scams, such as ticket inflation, donations/charities, fake guides, beggars, and ticket scams.
• Be careful of the people selling a piece of cloth said to bring good luck to put over the tomb. They will quote a hefty price and then take the fabric away to resell it to the next tourist.